Your Community. Our Support.

Cowell’s work is organized around a place-based grantmaking strategy that supports communities where residents, service providers, educators and civic leaders work together to improve the quality of life for children and families.

Your Community. Our Support.

Investing in Northern and Central California

We are committed to building productive relationships with grantees based upon shared responsibility and spirited collaboration that pave the way for authentic and meaningful change to take place in your community.

Cowell takes a collaborative, hands-on approach to grantmaking. We view the organizations and communities we fund as partners and we work hard to build mutual trust and respect.

Our Strategy

We seek opportunities to make clusters of grants in communities, supporting organizations that serve essentially the same children, youth, and families.

What We Fund

We invest in Families and Communities, Education and Youth Development to collectively increase the opportunity for lasting community improvement.

President’s Letter

Welcome to the Cowell Foundation’s new website.

Read President’s Letter »

Who We Fund

Cowell funds non-profit organizations, public schools and school districts in Northern and Central California that are focused on making lasting, positive change in their communities.

Working Together

We work closely with you before and after a grant has been awarded to provide guidance, build trust and achieve important milestones.

Cowell’s Grantees

Since 1956, we have granted nearly $300 million to more than 2,000 organizations. Visit our Grantee Community Profiles to learn about the work we have funded.

Learn More »

Since 1956, we have granted nearly $300 million to more than 2,000 organizations. Visit our Grantee Community Profiles to learn about the work we have funded.

Learn More »

Remembering Paradise

The intersection of Cowell Lane and Community Way is a real place. Tragically, however, it no longer appears as you see it here. The intersection is located within Paradise Community Village, an affordable, family-oriented housing development in the town of Paradise, in Butte County. On November 8, 2018, Paradise and surrounding communities were devastated by the Camp Fire, the most destructive wildfire in modern California history. We have chosen to preserve this image in remembrance of those whose lives and homes were lost, and also with respect and hope for the community that remains.